It's the question I'm most often asked, as a family travel writer. "Can I fit in your suitcase? Please ...? Pretty please ...?"

After that, comes the question, "How can we save money?"

Well, fear not, brave favellers*, for I have brought together some of the biggest brains in the industry, popped on the thumb screws, and tortured them until they gave up their secrets. (I'm definitely watching too much Game of Thrones).

FLYING

Getting discounted flights is all about timing. Work around the peak season by choosing the cheaper 'shoulder" period either side.

And try to book mid-week, rather than weekend. Also, tick the box for e-newsletters from airlines. Yes, they do send through a lot of faff, but they also offer their best discounts here first.

"Internationally, it's standard practice in the travel industry for airlines to release 'earlybird' fares in September for travel to Europe, so sign up to travel agent newsletters to get the jump on the best deals," Escape Travel general manager Mark Hodgson advises.

You can save money by choosing a holiday package that combines flights and accommodation, because they're based on wholesale rates.

Be careful about which airport you fly into: many have exorbitant taxes, which really add up when you're travelling with a family.

For example, it's cheaper to fly into Paris than London. For internal flights, don't pooh-pooh the local airlines. (Vietnam Airlines is cheaper than Jetstar!)

CRUISING

This is all about planning. "Take advantage of earlybird cruise offers for the season ahead, as you can pick up discounted rates for travel in the following year, free airfares, or other bonus inclusions like onboard credit," according to Cruiseabout national marketing manager Monique Van Gelder.

If you're travelling with extended family, RCI and Celebrity Cruises offer a significant discount for seniors.

And as Angie Kelly wrote last year after two weeks on board Voyager of the Seas, your family spends so much time on the ship the destinations are secondary. So opt for a repositioning cruise.

DRIVING

You can't beat an RV - Recreational Vehicle. "Home, transport, entertainment all in one bucket. Cost it out. You'll save tons!" says the author of America Over Easy, Mark Sheehan.

In Australia, travel blogger Fiona Harper prefers campervans: "One-way campervan hires are supercheap in Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada ($1 a day thereabouts from imoova.com), but you need to be flexible."

STAYING

In the low season, family resorts in the Asia/Pacific have plenty of stay-eight-nights-pay-for-four deals. But always aim for self-contained accommodation. Eating at the resort, however, can be expensive.

As Heather Tyler from tastefortravel.com writes: "In France it's too easy to pick up a baguette, pate and cheese for next to nix". This is important if your child has food issues.